Back to a Place Called Home

Thursday, September 06, 2018

Returning to his roots was something Michael Raver always wished for throughout his adult life. The perfect opportunity presented itself when he landed his dream job at Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation in 2016. Having grown up in the Hills, he knew he wanted his children to have the same experiences he did during childhood. Michael and his wife wanted to raise their children in a happy, stable environment so they would always feel the warmth of home. With a new baby on the way in just a few short weeks, they needed to find a bigger place to live, and quickly. It wasn’t long before they found a home to call their own in Custer, South Dakota.

Having a stable job, a healthy income, no debt, and a modest savings, they were ready to set down their roots. However, they didn’t quite have the capital for a down payment. When they found the perfect home of their dreams, they contacted GROW South Dakota. Initially, the family of four was not eligible for funds but with the baby due on the loan closing date, “the GROW staff were resourceful and trusting enough to consider our impending situation in their decision the assist us with funds,” stated Michael. The Ravers received funds through the LIFT and Down Payment Assistance programs. “We can’t express how grateful we are, or how important programs like GROW are to preserving rural communities and rural culture.”

Baby girl Aeris was born the very day of the closing of the house. In the three months since, the Ravers have woken up each morning amazed at how fulfilling their lives are. They both grew up poor but believed in the American dream. They live by their family motto, “Every good thing in our lives is evidence of our responsibility to others.” With the security of a home they can call their own, they have been able to give back to their community by volunteering in various groups. They truly believe that programs like GROW South Dakota bolster family outcomes and help keep communities together.

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